eBay's Authenticity Guarantee Now Includes Graded Trading Cards Through Partnership with PSA

Rhea-AI Summary

eBay has announced the expansion of its 'Authenticity Guarantee' service to include graded collectible card games and sports trading cards priced at $2,000 or more, in partnership with PSA. This service will ensure that graded cards match their listings and are authentic. Initially launched for raw trading cards, it aims to bolster trust in high-value transactions. The trading card market surged significantly, with eBay reporting $2 billion in transactions in the first half of 2021 alone. This strategic move enhances eBay’s offerings within the growing collectibles market.

Positive

• Expansion of 'Authenticity Guarantee' increases trust in high-value card transactions.
• Partnership with PSA leverages expertise in authentication, enhancing user confidence.
• Significant growth in eBay's trading card transactions, up to $2 billion in H1 2021.

Negative

• None.

'Authenticity Guarantee' service expands to include graded collectible card games and sports trading cards sold on eBay for $2,000+

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- eBay, a global commerce leader that connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world, announced the expansion of its 'Authenticity Guarantee' for trading cards through a strategic partnership with PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), the world's preeminent trading card authentication and grading company. Beginning today, when a graded card is sold for $2,000+ in the U.S., the seller will send that graded card to PSA, the largest and most trusted third-party authentication and grading company in the world, where a newly established team of experts – independent from the core team focused on the existing backlog  – will utilize years of expertise to verify that the card matches the listing description and that the sealed plastic holder and label are authentic and have not been tampered with or counterfeited. Over time, this service will expand to any graded card sold for $250+. This expansion comes only four months after eBay introduced Authenticity Guarantee for raw trading cards, and with PSA's expertise having graded more than 54 million trading cards, eBay continues to deliver a seamless experience that allows collectors to buy and sell with confidence.

"As casual buyers become collectors and collectors become investors, authentication services have never been more important,'' said Dawn Block, VP Collectibles, Electronics and Home at eBay. "eBay is the top destination for buying and selling high value cards and collectibles, and PSA has been a leader in the authentication and grading of trading cards for more than three decades. With this latest partnership, collectors can feel even more confident in their purchases of graded cards, and eBay continues to set the standard for this category." 

The surge in the trading cards market has created an opportunity for eBay and PSA to leverage their respective strengths, combining eBay's global reach and unmatched selection with the market-leading capabilities, trust, and expertise of PSA. Together, eBay and PSA are committed to ensuring accuracy as well as providing a trusted buying and selling experience for collectors.

"Our trading card expertise is the perfect complement to eBay's breadth and depth of inventory," said Kevin Lenane, PSA President. "For more than 30 years, we have played a vital role in the card community. This partnership allows us to help eBay create a trusted and confident experience for collectors, adding further integrity to the hobby."

In addition to trading cards, eBay's Authenticity Guarantee service includes sneakers sold for $100+, watches sold for $2,000+, and handbags sold for $500+. Certified Collectibles Group (CCG) will continue authenticating single, ungraded trading cards sold for $250+. This partnership with PSA to bolster trust in the marketplace is yet another enhancement by eBay to improve the experience for collectors. In 2021, eBay introduced industry-leading tools including Price Guide and Collection and Image Scan and, later this year, eBay will launch the eBay vault: a secure storage facility and digital marketplace for trading cards that will foster fractionalization and allow users to transfer ownership from seller to buyer in a matter of seconds, with no need to re-authenticate, or ship the item anywhere.

Shop trading cards at ebay.com/authenticcards and learn more about eBay's authentication offering for watches, sneakers, and handbags at ebay.com/buyauthentic. For more, follow the conversation with @eBayCollectibles on Instagram or @eBay on Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook.

eBay Trading Cards By The Numbers

• eBay's Trading Cards category is growing significantly faster than the total marketplace.
• Trading Cards in the first half of 2021 hit $2 billion in transactions – equal to ALL of 2020.
• An average of 2 trading cards are sold every second on eBay – one of which is a sports card.
• To date, over 9M cards purchased on and off eBay have been added to customer Collections.
• More than 1.3M buyers have used the Price Guide tool in search to visualize trends for their favorite trading cards.
• Top Trading Cards GMV Growth by Categories (H1 2021):
• Tennis –1797%
• Soccer – 852%
• Pokémon – 536%
• Marvel – 437%
• Golf – 436%
• Football – 200%
• Basketball – 148%

Source: Numbers based on eBay U.S. 2021 sales data.

About eBay
eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) is a global commerce leader that connects people and builds communities to create economic opportunity for all. Our technology empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world, providing everyone the opportunity to grow and thrive. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, California, eBay is one of the world's largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. In 2021, eBay enabled over $87 billion of gross merchandise volume. For more information about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com.

About PSA
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is the largest and most trusted third-party trading card authentication and grading company in the world. Since its inception in 1991, PSA has certified over 54 million cards. PSA is a division of Collectors Universe, Inc., which has offices in California, New Jersey, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. As the only third-party grading service to offer a guarantee on its services, PSA has emerged as the clear leader in authentication and grading for trading cards and other collectibles.

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SOURCE eBay Inc.

FAQ

What is the new 'Authenticity Guarantee' service by eBay?

The 'Authenticity Guarantee' service by eBay now includes graded collectible card games and sports trading cards sold for $2,000 or more, ensuring authenticity through a partnership with PSA.

When did eBay expand its 'Authenticity Guarantee' service?

eBay expanded its 'Authenticity Guarantee' service on May 2, 2022.

What impact does the eBay and PSA partnership have on trading cards?

The partnership enhances authenticity and trust in transactions involving graded trading cards, benefiting collectors and investors.

How does eBay's trading cards category perform in comparison to its total marketplace?

eBay's trading cards category is growing significantly faster than the overall marketplace.

What were the total trading card transactions on eBay in the first half of 2021?

In the first half of 2021, eBay reported $2 billion in trading card transactions, matching the total for all of 2020.